DO NOT GET A BEAGLE

Beagles can be stubborn and often do things on their terms. This single-mindedness usually keeps them out of the obedience winner’s circle. The standard choke chain, jerk-and-release method does not work well with beagles. A positive reinforcement method (i.e. clicker training) works wonders because food or other desired items are used as praise. Of course, with appropriate training and time, beagles can be well-behaved.

CONSIDER A BEAGLE

As stated above, beagles can be difficult to train, but it certainly can be done. Beagles do well at agility competitions. They run, jump, and crawl with the best of them. Have you heard of the Beagle Brigade? They are beagles used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to sniff out illegal animal and plant products being brought into this country. Since sniffing is something beagles like to do, they’re good at it!

YOU MAY NOT WANT A BEAGLE

While adult beagles are easier to housetrain than beagle pups, they still can be slow to pick up the concept. Beagle pups are sometimes difficult to housetrain because of their single-mindedness and their extremely powerful noses. It is very difficult to remove the smell of urine from a carpet to the point where the beagle pup cannot smell it. The pup, if it smells urine, will continue to return to that spot.

CONSIDER A BEAGLE

Again, beagles are not necessarily the easiest dogs to housetrain, but they are well suited to crate training, and that may be one of the best forms/ways of house training. We’ll be happy to give you some tips and advice on crate training your dog.

CONSIDER A BEAGLE

Beagles are energetic by nature. Beagles generally love children. They are a hearty hunting breed that, for hundreds of years, have spent hours following prey. They are ready, willing, and able to play with you and/or your children in a controlled area (like a fenced-in back yard). And they’re good at devising games for your entertainment like “keep the ball away from Mom/Dad”.

CONSIDER A BEAGLE

Welcome to a beagle’s world: These guys and gals are generally busy exploring their world (even if they just smelled it an hour ago). They’ll investigate anything and everything. They’ll bring you their “finds” with tail wagging and butt swinging.

YOU MIGHT NOT WANT A BEAGLE

Most adult beagles can be left out during the day while you are at work…however you need to keep certain things in mind. First, if there is a trash can to explore, they will find it! Also, beagles are notorious counter-surfers…meaning you can’t leave food unattended! Also, beagles are not the kind of dog who eats until they’re full. They eat until they explode! You cannot free-feed a beagle!

YOU MIGHT WANT A BEAGLE

In this day and age most families are gone from their homes, to work or school, almost every day. Beagles (or any dog for that matter) are safer and happier if they are crate trained. This is a new concept to some folks, but we highly recommend you do crate train any dog you may be considering. Beagles are generally quite adaptable and can be crate trained as easily as any breed. We would be happy to discuss the merits of crate training with you.

YOU MIGHT NOT WANT A BEAGLE

As we’ve stated before, beagles are scent hounds, used for hunting. While they have very musical voices, it’s unlikely they would “scare” a potential intruder. You (and your neighbors) might know someone was breaking into your home, but the burglar would be as likely to be licked to death as attacked by your beagle. This quality makes them great pets, but not aggressive guard dogs.

CONSIDER A BEAGLE

Beagles are natural pack animals and love to hang out with people, other dogs, and other beagles. Keep in mind, though, that twice as many beagles mean twice as much trouble and twice as much love!